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Police: Homeless man fatally stabs biker

The Associated Press

Posted:
09/03/2014 11:07:49 AM EDT

Updated:
09/03/2014 02:09:32 PM EDT

VERO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A graphic designer on a biking trip from Maryland to Miami was stabbed to death by a homeless man outside a Florida McDonald's while he spoke on the phone with his girlfriend, authorities said.

Kevin Adorno, 28, of Unionville, Connecticut, stumbled into the restaurant Monday after the attack, witnesses told police. He had been talking on the cellphone with his girlfriend, to whom he planned to propose at the end of the trip, Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers reported (http://bit.ly/1vMytn3 ).

Adorno's girlfriend told investigators she didn't hear any sounds from a confrontation. But she did hear the phone drop, then silence, and eventually sirens in the background.

Patrons told police they saw the assailant run across the street to a Burger King. Police found Rene Herrera Cruz, 59, there and arrested him. He is charged with first-degree murder. It was not immediately clear whether Cruz, whom police say is homeless, has an attorney.

Cruz told officers he thought Adorno was directing people by cellphone to attack him, according to police. He also said he thought someone inside the McDonald's was using a laptop to order an attack on him.

Police Chief David Currey said Cruz had called 911 from a spot near the McDonald's on Sunday night, saying he was afraid someone would try to hurt him.

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When Adorno stumbled into the restaurant, someone started administering aid while another called 911. He was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead a short time later. He had stab wounds to his chest and arm.

Currey said investigators learned that the trip was a "bucket list" item for Adorno. He began cycling from Maryland in August. Currey said officers found an engagement ring in Adorno's backpack.